Database Engineer

Role: Database Engineer (PostgreSQL DBA)

Core Skills and Experience

PostgreSQL Expertise

• 10+ years of database administration and engineering experience.
• 5+ years of advanced PostgreSQL administration in enterprise environments.
• Deep expertise in:
• PostgreSQL architecture
• Performance tuning and optimisation
• Replication technologies
• High Availability and Disaster Recovery
• Backup and Recovery
• Partitioning and indexing strategies
• Security and encryption
• Capacity planning

Database Engineering

• Strong understanding of physical database design and data modelling.
• Experience supporting transactional databases, data warehouses, and analytical platforms.
• Ability to assess and implement database architecture improvements.
• Knowledge of database lifecycle management and governance.

Automation & DevOps

• Experience automating database administration activities.
• Strong scripting skills using Bash, Python, PowerShell, or similar.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code and configuration management tools.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and release automation.

Required Technical Skills

• PostgreSQL (Expert)
• SQL Performance Tuning
• Database Security
• High Availability & Disaster Recovery
• Linux Administration
• Shell Scripting
• Python or PowerShell
• Monitoring & Observability Tools
• Backup & Recovery Solutions
• Database Automation Frameworks

Desirable Skills

• Oracle Administration
• Microsoft SQL Server Administration
• Azure DevOps
• Kubernetes / Containers
• Terraform

Deliverables

PostgreSQL Engineering & Modernisation

• Design and implement PostgreSQL database architectures aligned with enterprise standards.
• Deliver database upgrades, migrations, consolidations, and modernisation initiatives.
• Implement High Availability (HA), Disaster Recovery (DR), replication, backup, and recovery solutions.
• Produce architecture, design, and operational documentation.

Automation & DevOps Enablement

• Develop and implement automation for:
• Database provisioning
• Patching and upgrades
• Backup and recovery
• Monitoring and alerting
• Routine administration tasks
• Establish CI/CD practices for database deployments where applicable.
• Reduce manual operational effort through automation and process standardisation.

Operational Excellence

• Define and implement database operational standards, governance models, and best practices.
• Review and improve incident, problem, change, and release management processes related to database services.
• Establish operational runbooks and support procedures.
• Support critical incidents and provide root cause analysis (RCA) reports for major issues.

Team Capability Uplift (Key Deliverable)

• Develop and execute a structured DBA capability uplift program for a team of 20-25 DBAs.
• Create PostgreSQL training materials, operational guides, and knowledge repositories.
• Conduct workshops, mentoring sessions, and hands-on coaching.
• Establish PostgreSQL Administration Standards and DBA Best Practice Guides.
• Deliver measurable improvement in team capability and independence in managing PostgreSQL environments.

Governance & Stakeholder Reporting

• Provide technical leadership across project and operational initiatives.
• Prepare executive-level status reports, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Participate in architecture reviews and technical governance forums.
• Provide regular reporting on platform health, capacity, risks, and improvement initiatives.

Knowledge Transfer & Handover

• Produce comprehensive technical and operational documentation.
• Deliver knowledge transfer sessions to internal teams.
• Ensure sustainable operational support capability is established before completion of the engagement.